College Interview: How to Approach

Ace your interview!

College interviews will not get you into a school. They are used as more of a vetting service
than to actually admit or reject students. For some schools, interviews are required, while at
other schools, they are optional. For international students, it’s absolutely crucial, that you
schedule an interview whenever possible. You need to show the admissions office that your
English is good enough to participate in the college classroom. Interviews are additional
opportunities for candidates to maximize the potential of their application.


Tell me something about yourself

Although it is easy to say that you are a good student, hard worker, or good at your
extracurricular activities, this is not what the interviewer is looking for. Instead, focus on some
traits that make you unique as an individual. Do you have any unique hobbies? Do you collect
volcanic rocks? Expound on this here. Remember that the aim is to show the interviewer that
you are different from all the other applicants.


Why do you want to attend this school?

Make sure that you have done your research about the school you wish to attend. This question
is aimed at making sure you are truly interested in the school and also to see if the school is a
good fit for you and vice versa. Highlight specific classes, professors, research opportunities,
student groups, cultural initiatives that speak to you. Exhibit how particular programs provided in
the school are in line with your academic, professional, and personal pursuits.


What can you contribute to the school?

This question is aimed at learning your true interests and seeing how you would function in the
school community. The interviewer wants to know how you can add diversity to the campus. If
you intend to be part of the student council or create a club that focuses on your interests, share
them here. Having goals for the school community provides the interviewer a clear picture of
how well you will enhance the college experience for your fellow students. Colleges want
students who will add value to the classroom, campus, and eventually, the alumni community.


What do you do in your spare time?

Answer this by enumerating your passions outside of the classroom. It isn’t necessarily meant to
be connected to your academic goals. Share that you love astronomy, that you work as a
lifeguard every summer, or that you work in your family’s shop every weekend. Any
extracurricular activity or hobby that deeply interests you is a perfect answer for this question.


Do you have any questions?

Always say yes. Asking questions shows your interest in the school and that you were paying
attention during the interview. If you have done your research properly, you will definitely have
questions for the interviewer. Ask about the level of engagement a freshman can expect in the
various research facilities they provide. Or ask about how the school interacts with the
community surrounding it. Questions that relate to your capacity in joining school functions will
leave a positive impression.